About us

The African Cashew Alliance was established in 2006 as an association of African and international businesses with an interest in promoting a globally competitive African cashew industry. Today, nearly 130 member companies work under the ACA banner and represent all aspects of the cashew value chain, including producers, processors, traders, and international buyers.

Over 2.5 million African farmers currently grow about 57% of the world’s cashews. The African cashew sector has become a highly visible contributor during the last 10 years. African smallholder farmers have more than doubled production. With a yield of more than 1.6 million tons of raw cashew nut (RCN) in 2015, Africa is now the world’s largest producer of RCN. While processing in Africa remains low, it is on the rise, growing from 35,000 MT in 2006 to 105,700 in 2015. It is estimated that a 25% increase in RCN processing within Africa would generate more than US$100 million in household income, improving the lives of many families in rural areas.

Our vision

A globally competitive African cashew industry that benefits the value chain – from farmer to consumer.

Our mission

Support the African cashew industry by

Providing technical assistance and facilitating investments

Promoting market linkages and international standards

Sharing information and best practices

Our objectives

Increase processing of cashew within Africa

Improve competitiveness and sustainability of the African cashew industry

Facilitate public-private cooperation for the cashew sector

All ACA members commit to the ACA Business Code of Conduct, a set of principles to ensure the African cashew processing industry grows in a sustainable manner.